Author's Note: I have come to understand that the demons that prevent us from reaching our goals can and are eliminated if we first overcome initial fears and obstacles. In this piece readers may see what I have done to overcome an obstacle in my life, allowing me to be free from pain and suffering.
Happy New Year to all of you! 2012 will surely bring about many new changes for all as we meet new friends, face new challenges and experience emotional ups and downs. As I read the many short writing pieces from my students, I try to remember one thing that guides all of us: the dreams we have CAN become a reality if one sets their sights on a prize, a goal, or in essence, our dream. One clear dream that I have is to be able to live life pain free, void of the daily grinding, no pun intended, associated with an arthritic hip.
My hip replacement surgery of December 19th, 2011 went according to plan and I am currently well on the road to recovery and a more healthy life. As I have heard from so many people in discussing the surgery, the statement "do you wish you had done it earlier?" has come up each time. The resounding answer would logically be yes! If I had known earlier how good my body would feel now, I would have done something sooner, maybe at the beginning of summer in 2011. Painfully, the last few months of the year were somewhat difficult, but that made the choice to have necessary surgery all the more wise: although viewing the procedure "online" might have made the choice not so easy as it is quite gruesome to have one's hip bone cut off, replaced with a titanium ball, and the hip socket shaved and refinished with ceramics and plastic. If you are curious as to what this procedure looks like just "google" posterior hip replacement surgery and you can see the process for yourself.
However, the results are amazing. I am looking forward to a spring of golf and being able to walk and run with no residual pain in my body: something we all can agree is the way life should be. Many thanks go out to my colleagues at work, especially Mrs. Muench, who experience the same procedure last year, for recommending the fine surgeon Dr. Evanich, and to my co-teacher Mrs. Mundt, who helped tremendously in keeping me in the loop here at school. I also could not have done this without the support of my wonderful family: wife Karen and sons Eric and Dan, who put up with my crankiness while I was recovering.
Long is the journey, but even longer and more permanent are the positive results! Have a safe and healthy 2012 everyone.
Happy Faces
The views in Oak Creek Canyon, AZ are a sight to see, even with the 45 degree water at Slide Rock State Park. Here, sons Eric and Dan enjoy a restful moment after several "slides" down the river.
I can't imagine the pain you endured for so many years before this surgery, but am glad that you are finally on the mend. Making the decision to move forward to conquer our fears is not always easy, but it's my feeling that those who choose to do so, are always thankful they did in the end. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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